Issuing the weather forecast for sea areas around the island at 5.30 a.m. today (February 17, 2026), the Department requested maritime communities to stay attentive to future forecasts and bulletins in this regard.
Showers or thundershowers will occur at times in sea areas off the coast extending from Hambantota to Trincomalee via Batticaloa. Showers or thundershowers may also occur at a few places in other sea areas around the island during the evening or night.
Winds will be north-easterly with speeds of 30–40 kmph. Wind speeds may increase up to 50 kmph at times in sea areas off the coast extending from Kalutara to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota.
Sea areas off the coast from Kalutara to Mannar via Puttalam and from Matara to Pottuvil via Hambantota are expected to be rough at times. Other sea areas around the island will be moderate.
The Department further cautioned that temporarily strong gusty winds and very rough seas can be expected during thundershowers.
